The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 15, 2026. In a significant shift from past practices, the Academy will now require its members to watch all nominated films in each category before they are eligible to cast their votes. This rule, which has been met with mixed reactions from the public and industry insiders alike, marks the end of an era where voting was based on an honor system that allowed members to vote without verifying their viewership of the films.
As reported by Variety, the new regulation aims to ensure that Academy voters are better informed about the films they are voting on, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement among members. The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many netizens expressing disbelief that such a rule had not been in place for the past 96 years. "So what were they doing before?" one user tweeted, encapsulating the confusion and amusement felt by many.
This rule will apply to all categories, not just specific ones like Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature, which previously had viewing requirements. Now, every voter must confirm that they have watched all nominated films in a category to participate in the final voting round. An Academy spokesperson elaborated, stating that proof of viewership can be tracked through the Academy Screening Room, an internal platform where members can access eligible films. If members view films outside of this platform, they will need to provide documentation to confirm their viewings.
The Academy's decision comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the integrity of the Oscars, which have faced scrutiny over the years for perceived biases and inconsistencies in their voting processes. In light of this, the Academy has also introduced new submission deadlines for various categories, including Best Original Song and Best Original Score, with the former due by October 15, 2025, and the latter by November 3, 2025.
In addition to the viewing requirements, the Academy has announced the introduction of two new categories: Achievement in Casting, set to debut at the 98th Academy Awards, and Best Stunt Design, which will be awarded for the first time at the 100th ceremony in 2027. These additions reflect the evolving landscape of the film industry and the Academy's commitment to recognizing diverse aspects of filmmaking.
The announcement of the new rules was made on April 21, 2025, and has since been met with both excitement and skepticism. Many industry professionals are hopeful that the requirement will lead to more informed voting and, ultimately, more deserving winners. An anonymous voter expressed their relief, stating, "It’s our responsibility to watch all of it… When you don’t, you miss masterpieces like The Substance and Emilia Pérez." However, some have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing such a rule, questioning how the Academy will verify that all voters have indeed watched the required films.
Critics have pointed out that the Oscars have historically been marred by controversies surrounding winner selections and representation. The new rule is seen as a step towards addressing these issues, but it remains to be seen how effectively it will be implemented. Some users on social media have humorously suggested that the Academy might require a multiple-choice test to ensure voters have actually watched the films.
The 98th Academy Awards are set to be a pivotal moment for the organization as they strive to regain credibility and relevance in an ever-changing film industry. The nominations voting period will run from January 12 to January 16, 2026, with official nominations being announced on January 22, followed by the annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon on February 10, 2026.
As the Oscars prepare for this significant overhaul, the question remains: will these changes be enough to restore faith in the Academy Awards? For many, the new rules are a welcome change that could lead to a more transparent and equitable voting process. However, the true test will come when the final ballots are cast and the winners are revealed.
In the meantime, the Academy has also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, clarifying that generative AI tools do not affect a film’s eligibility for nomination. The focus remains on ensuring that human creativity is at the forefront of the filmmaking process, a sentiment echoed in the Academy's recent statements.
With the 2026 Oscars on the horizon, the film industry and its fans are watching closely to see how these new regulations will impact the prestigious awards ceremony. Will voters rise to the occasion and embrace their newfound responsibilities? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the landscape of the Oscars is changing, and the eyes of the world will be on Hollywood come March 2026.
